Pope Leo: God Rejects War, Pray for Peace

0:00Pope Leo XIV dropped his strong message on Palm Sunday, telling tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square that God straight up rejects war, and can't be used to justify it. He called Jesus the king of peace during his homily, praying hard for Christians caught in the crossfire of the Middle East conflict. That comes as the U.S. Israel War against Iran hits his second month with Russia's push in Ukraine dragging on too. Leaders from all sides have leaned on faith to back their fights, but Leo made it clear God tunes out those war prayers. Folks at the Vatican felt the weight, especially with Christians in the region struggling to mark Holy Week. In Jerusalem, police blocked top Catholic leaders from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for security reasons, the first time in centuries they couldn't celebrate Palm Sunday there. Leo is leading Holy Week traditions himself this year, bringing the Holy Thursday footwashing back to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, unlike Pope. Francis who took it to prisons and refugee spots. He's also set for the Good Friday procession and Easter rights.

1:04As memories of Francis' final Easter linger, Leo calls on everyone to pray for war-torn souls and push for real reconciliation, heading into Resurrection Sunday with hope for peace. Local news, powered by AI. This is Vancouver News Today. I'm Corey with the story.